Is copyright protection absolute?

No, copyright protection is not absolute. In the United States, copyright law is governed by the federal Copyright Act, which applies uniformly across the country. However, each state can also create their own laws that supplement the federal legislation. In Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, copyright protection does exist. Copyrighting a work offers the owner exclusive rights to its use, duplication, distribution, and performance. This protection is not absolute though, and there are certain instances in which copyrighted works can be used without the copyright holder’s permission. These exceptions are called “fair use” and can sometimes be used in educational or research-related settings. Fair use includes using excerpts of a work in commentary, criticism, teaching, news reporting, or research. More level of use depends on the type of work and the purpose for which it is being used. Copyright protection is not absolute, and exceptions to copyright can vary from state to state. It’s important to consider all applicable laws, and to check with a lawyer if there is any doubt about the extent of the protection.

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